Axle construction



Aug. 7, 1951 R. C. HOFFMAN AXLE CONSTRUCTIQN Filed Oct. 5, 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet l Allg- 7, 1951 l R. c. HOFFMAN 2,563,680

AXLE CONSTRUCTION INVENTOR.

Aug. 7, 1951 R. c. HOFFMAN AXLE CONSTRUCTION 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 5, 1949 Aug. 7, 1951 Filed Oct. 5, 1949 R. `cz. HOFFMAN 2,563,680

AXLE CONSTRUCTION 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

Ml/M@ Aug. 7, 1951 R. c. HOFFMAN 2,563,680

AXLE CONSTRUCTION Filed oct. 5, 1949 7 sheets-sheet 5 E. l D.

INVENTOR. fag-cae C #aff/fray Aug. 7, 1951 R. c. HOFFMAN AXLE CONSTRUCTION Filed oct. 5, 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Aug- 7, 1951 R. c. HOFFMAN 2,563,680

AXLE CONSTRUCTION Filed OCT.. 5, 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 `INVENToR.

/VAa-cac. CT #az/fwd,

Patented Aug. 7, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE AXLE CONSTRUCTION Roscoe C. Hoffman, Detroit, Mich.

Application October 5, 1949, Serial No. 119,669

(Cl. 'i4-607) j 23 Claims. l

The present invention relates to the construction of driving axles for motor vehicles. The primary objects of the invention may be summarized as comprising the provision of an improved and simplified axle construction, the housing portions and many of the structural elements of which are formed of sheet metal, the sheet metal parts being so contoured and so secured to one another as to provide an assemlbly which is of less weight and less costly to manufacture than such axle constructions as now fabricated, and which is of increased strength and rigidity.

It is also an object of this invention to provide an improved driving axle construction incorporating unique and simple means for taking up and adjusting clearances between the running parts.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved axle construction including a housing formed largely of sheet metal parts and which f is adapted for heavy duty service, as in trucks and buses, novel trunnion-type bearing supporting means being provided for the driving pinion.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the present disclosure in its entirety.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a horizontal sectional plan view of the principal portions of a driving axle constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the ends of the axle spindles and axle spindle housing tubes broken away;

Fig. 2 is a horizontal sectional plan view of the end portion of one of the axle spindles and its housing tube;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of the axle of Fig. 1 with the back cover removed;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on 'the line 4-4 of Fig. 3 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 5 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view with parts broken away, taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Fig. l and looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figs. 6 and 'l are top and right side elevational views, respectively, of the differential housing liner;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary section taken substantially on the line 8 of Fig. 5 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 9 is a View similar to Fig. 1 showing a somewhat modified construction;

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional View taken substantially on the line lill0 of Fig. 9 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of the diierential housing liner of the embodiment of Figs. 9 and 10;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary horizontal central sectional view of the adjustable portions of an axle structure incorporating the invention in. another somewhat modied form;

Fig. 13 is a cross section taken substantially on the line I3-I3` of Fig. 12 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing another modied construction;

Fig. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially on the line |5-I5 of Fig. 14 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 16 is a diametric longitudinal sectional View ofthe end portions of the spindle and axle tube elements of `theembodiment of Figs. 14 and 15; and

Fig. 1'7 is a rear elevational view of the differential housing portion of the last-mentioned embodiment with the operating components removed. l

Referring now to thedrawings, and particularly to Figs. 1-8 inclusive, my improved axle housing structure is of the banjo-type, having generally tubular shaft housing end portions 20, 2l and a banjo differential housing section 22.

Such housing structure may be formed either of flat sheet metal stock or from a tube, or from two pieces of tubing, the ends of which are joined upon a vertical plane extending transversely (fore and aft of the vehicle) through the center of the banjo housing. In the preferred construction shown, a single piece of sheet metal is used, long enough to form the entire assembly of both axle tubes and the ring-like banjo housing. Methods of forming such unitary axle housing structures comprising integral banjo and tube sections are known in the art and need not be described in detail here. The parts which constitute the axle housing tubes are formed to complete tubular shape and seam-welded. These are generally designated 2B and 2|. The portion which is to constitute the banjo housing is expanded from the central part of the stock. The expanded ring-like banjo section is designated 22,` and this will be recognized as similar to such portions of axle housings as heretofore constructed. Ordinarily with front engine, rear-wheel-drive cars, the banjo section 22 will be located approximately centrally of the length of the assembly.

The expanded banjo housing ring portion has substantially parallel front and rear openings of relatively large size, the rear opening 25 being Vsomewhat larger than the front opening 2T. The

front opening of the banjo portion is located at the line which, when the housing is assembled, is closed by the weld 35. An inturned ange 26 is formed bounding the rear opening. (The terms front, rear, "1eft and right as applied herein relate to the positioning of parts with respect to a vehicle which the axle is installed.)

A forward extension section serving as a bearing support for the driving pinion 3G and pinion shaft 32 is secured to the front opening 2l, such front extension being dared or belled at its rear end as indicated at 3d and contoured to form -a continuation of the differential casing portion22, to the front opening 2 of which it is secured as by means of a seam-weld designated 35.' A tubular forwardly directed extension 36 is integral with the belled portion 34 and supportsa pair of tapered roller bearing assemblies as, 4U, lwhich journal the pinion Vshaft 32. It will be appreciated that .the portions .343, 36 may be formed of an integral piece of sheet metal. The belled and bearing supporting tube portions 34-:36 may be stiflened and braced with respect to one another by integral folded gussets as 3S, 4|, 43 and di. -One of these, asili, serves as an oil channel for conducting oil thrown lforwardly by the ring .gear |25 to an oil hole l2? (Fig. 5) in the bearing spacer ring l2. `Such oil flows downwardly into the spacer ring and overflows both toward the front and rearfinto, and lubricates, the bearings S8, QE. The-.arrangement of certain ofithese ,parts will presently be considered in greater detail.

A generallyy cu'pped'reinorcing liner member, also :formed of sheet metal and designated 32, is'tted into the banjosection 22 and projects forwardly into the'extension portions 34, 3&3. The reinforcing liner is provided at its rim with an cutturned flange (if: which overlaps the inturned flange :2t of the banjo section 22 and is secured theretozby Aweld-ing as indicated at-i. The reinforcing liner is contoured to t closely against the interior of the belled section Si! and within theadjacent forwardly projecting .parts of the banjo vsection Z2, but the banjo casing diverges angularly outwardly toward the rear away from theliner. Such divergence is relatively slight at the top and bottom, as shown in Fig. 5, but relatively great at the sides, as shown in Fig. l.

nAs'also indicatedin Fig. l, the sides of the ba-njo section are provided with gradually tapered or necked portions 58, .t9 which join the straight tubular shaft-housing sections i, 2l to the expanded banjo section 22, and the side portions 5d,.,52of the liner 42 bridge the inner ends Vof theLtapered portions 8, gsuch side portions ofy the liner being fiattened and extending substantiallyperpendicular to the spindle axis. It will -be ,appreciated that the seam-weld 35 also assists in fastening the liner e2 in'position.

.'At its front end, the liner is provided with a relatively short forwardly directed cylindrical embossment 5d which defines a retaining ring for the cup portion of the bearing assembly-33, the forward extremity of thek ring section 5d being flanged inwardly, as indicated at 5t, to dei-lne a locating and thrust shoulder for the bearing. At the sides of the liner Vcup i2 and in axial align ment with the tubular extensions 2Q, 2 l, openings designated 62, 6ft are formed in the cup to permit the extension of the axle spindles 25 therethrough and to accommodate other supporting portions presently to `be described.

ln the forward extremity of the tubular sectionk 35, a tubular cupped sheet metal bearing retainer t5 is fitted, which may be provided as shown with a flared,Y forwardly directed mouth portion 56 secured as by the weld 5S to the end of the ,supporting tube 33. rljhe bearing holding cup 65 may also support a lubricant retainer 'lil of confventional or any suitable construction. The spac ing ring member 'E2 previously mentioned is also formed of sheet metal and arranged in the tubue lar portioni between the bearing locating portions 54, G5, A spacing sleeve'ldis also carried by the spindle 32 between the inner race or-cone portions of the roller bearing assemblies 38, 4D.

VThe tapered neck portion 4E `which joins the banjo section 22 to the right-hand tubular extension 2l thereof contains a tubular reinforcing ele. ment l5, which is of generally truncated conic form closely iittedv therein and secured in positionby means which includes one or more puddle welds as 16. At its inner end, reinforcing liner member 'l5` is provided withia-substantially cylindrical inwardly projecting portion 13 whichtprojects through the opening Sli-in the flat side portion 52 ofthelinerAZyto `which it isfurther securedby the peripheral weld 83.

The cylindrical `portion 'iQ-serves to house the cupof the right side roller bearingasseinblyz which` carries the right side of the diierential cage i211. It will be noted that rthecage or carrier 84 is formed with a spigot 3'! journaled in the cone of bearing assembly 32. The reinforcinginsert sleeve i5 is indented ata plurality of peripherally spaced positions to deiineY locating .shoulders 85 for the bearingassembly `82. It .will beob served that the flattened sidewall portion.52 of the liner cupAiZ and the cylindrical portion 78 of tubular insert 'i5 are disposed substantially perpendicularly-to one another, while the tapered portion iS of the outer casing bridges the angularly disposed parts 52, 78, just referred-mese that whencthe parts aresecured together in the mannerdescribed, they effectivelybrace one another to provide a structure ofgreatrigidty. It will alsocbe recognized that similar portions delining rigidly secured and -interbraced parts of triangular section are formed Vat the juncture of the analogous portions at theleft side/ofthe diierential housing definedbythefiat part r5l] of the-liner Ail? `and the tapered partI 48 of the outer casing. c

The tubular reinforcing and-supportinginsert sleeve 88Y at the left side -alsoextendsbetween the portions'd, 50, in. a positionto concentrically andY spaeedly encircle the left spindle 2Q. Sleeve 8S is inserted from within the liner 6.42, being projected through the opening 62 and having a tesminalV fiange 5S whicntprojects outwardly' to overlie the Vinterior of the-portion 500i :liner cup 'to which it is-welded,upon-aI circumferential line which is less than a complete circle, as :indicated atiit, Theleft end ofthe slecve`88 is proportioned to bear against the interior of'v the `tapered section di? of the outer =casing,near the outer end of such tapered portion, and is puddle Welded thereto as indicated atl g4.

Between the bracing sleeve 88 and ,thespindle 2li, an adjustable bearing supporting sleeve-95 is interposed .which is slidably tted. in and supported by the stiffening sleeve 88. .The interfltted parts may be machined, andfsleeve proects from sleeve 88 into the interior of thedilerential housing to carry the cone of the left side tapered roller bearing assembly 96 which supports the differential cage 84. The cone portion of the bearing assembly .'96 is fitted .against a shoulder formed by a reduced portion 98 on the inner end of the sleeve 95. The portion of the sleeve' 95 which projects into the dierential housing is provided with a peripheral groove ID!) located adjacent the inner end of the sleeve 88 and adapted to receive a snap ring |92 which projects outwardly from sleeve 95 'and bears against the inner end of the sleeve B3 to positively lock the sleeve 95 against outward movement. Near its inner end and within the annular enclosure IM defined by the portions 48, 50, the sleeve 88 is peripherally `thickened and such thickened portion is split substantially radially as indicated at |05, so that the thickened portion may act as a clamping ring. As best' shown in Fig. 4, such thickened clamping ring portion is also provided adjacent the split area |95 with a pair of angularly upwardly and rearwardly extending integral lug portions |06, |98. A clampingscrew Il!) is engaged with such lug portions to enable tightening and loosening the clamping ring section 89 of the sleeve. The left side openn ing 62 in the wall 5|) of liner cup 42 is notched as indicated at 53 to permit the lug portions |95, |98 to pass therethrough' during assembly.

The tapered section 48 of the housing structure is flattened at the rear as indicated at 49 and lies inside the flat back ange 44 to which it is secured by the weld 45. The overlapping portions of the flange 44 and the flattened portions 49 are extended to the left of the rear differential housing opening 25, as indicated at H9 in Fig. 3, and the mating rim flange of the cover lili is similarly extended. The cover is adapted to be attached in the conventional or any suitable manner as by the screws H5. An opening H5 is formed in the extended overlapping flange portions fll, 49 in alignment with the clamping screw lli), so that access may be had to such screw by removing the back cover lill.

At its outer end, the sleeve 95 is of substantially greater diameter than the spindle 2li and provided with internalthreads, as shown at I8. The outer end of the axle tube 20 is ared outwardly `to accommodate the wheel bearing assembly |29 and a lubricant seal |22, as shown in Fig. 2. When the wheel and other parts are removed from the spindle 24 and the wheel bearing` |29 and lubricant seal |22Vare removed, a tube or pipe having external threads at its inner end conforming to threads I8 may be projected into the tubular housing portion 2| to engage the threads ll. Such a tube should of course be long enough to project from the outer end of the axle tube, when so threadedly interengaged f with thevsleeve 95, and it will be seenthat when the snap ring |02 is removed, the sleeve 95 may in this manner be pulled out through the axle tube, or moved in or out with respect to the diferential housing for adjustment. In this connection, it will be noted that the snap ring groove |90 is somewhat wider in an axial direction than the ring |92, so that rings of different thicknesses may be substituted to adjust the longitudinal positioning of the sleeve 95.

The differential components are indicated as of substantially conventional construction, although this will be recognized as subject to variation. The cage 84 supports a ring gear |25 meshing with the driving pinion 39. The differential planet gears |25 are mounted upon radial stub shafts |28 and mesh with the differential side gears |39, |32 fast upon the axle shafts 24, 25 respectively.

All of the gears and antifriction bearings being of the tapered type, it will be appreciated that simple and accurate adjustment of all clearances may be effected by loosening the screw I0 to free clamping portion 89, moving the sleeve to a desired position, inserting a snap ring |02 of the proper thickness to lock sleeve 95 against outward movement with respect to such position, and then tightening the clamping portion 89.

In Figs. 9, 10 and 1l, a somewhat modified construction is shown, many of the components of which will be recognized as corresponding to those of the first-described embodiment, so that detailed redescripticn of such corresponding parts Awill not be required. Parts analogous to those already described are designated by like reference characters distinguished by the addi-r tion. of the letter d to each. The expanded central portion 22a, defining the outer banjo casing portion of the differential housing, is somewhat elongated to the left, in this embodiment, in pro portion to the left-hand tapered portion 48a and axle housing tube portion 29a, to provide a wider housing having substantial space therewithin to the left of the diiferential assembly. The clamping means for the bearing supporting sleeve 95a is located in the differential housing liner cup in the space to the left of the differential assembly rather than outside of and to the left of the liner cup as in the first embodiment. The clamping parts are independent of the internal bracing tube 88a for the tapered section 43a. The clamping assembly comprises a pair of diametrically, vertically divided clamping block sections 89a, Sla. The section 88a extends forwardly within the differential casing and is welded to the inside of the reinforcing liner 42a as indicated at |50. At its outer end, the stationary block portion 59a bears against the inner end of the sleeve 88a, so that the block is rigidly held against outward displacement. The rear clamping section Sla is separably secured to the fixed'clamping block 89a as by the clamping screws Illia which are accessible through the rear cover ||4a when the latter is removed` The parts are so proportioned that when section 9|a is tightened by means of the screws Illia, the bearing supporting sleeve 95a is rigidly frictionally held. The bearing sleeve is preferably also keyed in position by a snap ring |02a, corresponding to the snapv ring |92 previously described, and it will be understood that simple and accurate adjustment of clearances may be effected by substituting rings of different thicknesses as previously described.

In Figs. 12 and 13, a'further modification is shown which corresponds substantially to the last described embodiment, but wherein the clamping means for the adjustable bearing supporting sleeve 95h is formed as an integral or one-piece clamping element mounted in the differential housing, In this embodiment, parts corresponding to those already described are designated by like reference numerals identiiied by the addition of the letter b to each. The clamping member 39h is formed in one piece and is shown as integral with sleeve 88h, although it might obviously beV formed separately and welded thereto or otherwise secured. The clamping member is also provided with a rearwardly projecting portion |55, conforming to the interior contour of, and lying closely against, the inner wall of the reinforcing liner 42h, to which it may be welded as indicated at |5911. The annular clamping portion 39D is radially split as indicated at |0517 upon a plane extending rearwardly and downwardly, and the portions above and below the tion close tothe ring gear |25c.

split section are thickenedA as indioatedgatl |06b, i081); to: accommodate the clamping screw ||b, which is so positioned as to be readily accessible when vthe cover I'Iilbis removed. VThe slot |05b also extends for a substantial proportion of the iengthfof the sleeve portion 8th.

Y. lIn Figs. v14 to 17 inclusive, I have shown 4a further modication. particularly adapted `for use in heavy duty driving axles, such as are employed in ,trucks and buses. LIn this embodiment, parts analogous to` those already described are designated`V byy corresponding', reference numerals distinguished vby thev letter c. The central banjo section`22c ofthe differential outer casing may be similarly expanded -to ring form, but it is proportionately shorter in an axial (fore and aft) direction and is provided with at the front and rear needs thereof with inturned llanges |60, ISI. The-belled forward extension portion 34C of the outer casing -is proportionately longer,v and is outwardly'fianged at its rear edge as shown at HiB.l toffit against the banjo flange |6l, to which it is .welded at 35o. These parts are securely attached to the exterior of a generally circular, cupped internal reinforcing liner 42o also formed of sheet metal and having an outturned rear flange 44o overlapping the inturned flange lei] of `the banjo-ringf`22c andsecured -theretoby a peripheral weld `as indicated at 45o. The front flange |i| ofthe banjoring is secured at its inner J edge to-the exterior surface of the liner, as by means Vofthe peripheral weld |02. The liner projects forwardly -beyond the banjo ring, such forwardlyrprojecting portion being ofvgenerally truncated conoidal' form and terminating in a 2H substantially `flat transverse and verticalA wall iBAJfThe conoidal forwardly projecting portion is designated |55, and such portion nts closely within the belled extension 34o.

At its forward end, the belled extension 34e is provided with a cylindrical necliflange which carries a collar |12, which in -turn carries an antifric-tion -bearingsupporting sleeve |14 fitted thereinto. "Col-lar' |12 is relatively short and peripherally welded-to the-neck ange |10, as indicated at |15. At its forwardend, Vthe sleeve |14n-is formed with, a radially extending flange |18 and a front housing bell |00 -isprovided havinga rearlflange |82 lyingl against the flange |18, the ilangesI |18, |82 lbeing adapted to be secured together and to the collar |12 by screw means as indicated at |84, Fig. 14. The sleeve |1.4. :supports'a pair of antifriction bearing assemblies |85, |85 which carry the driving shaft 32o, indicated as Vformed integrally with the driv- `,ing-'pinion 30o. The antifriction bearings |35, |86 Vare '.eppositely tapered,V their cupped outer linge-portions reacting against a central radially inwardly extending flange |88, while the inner race portionsfof the bearings arev retained be, tween the -drivingpinion o and an abutment washer |90 positionediby suitable lock nut means as |92 on ,thev shaft. A driving universal joint fast upon the forward end of the shaft 32e is fragmentarily shown at |94 and a suitable lubricant retainer |95 is arranged between the front endof `the bell |00 and the hub portion of the universal joint member |94.

.The collarl 12 is formed with a rearwardly extending upwardly opening trough-like scoop portion lcarried by the top of the collar and projecting intothe diierential housing to a posi- A pocket |98 forms an inwardI continuation of the scoop portion |96 andextends `.forwardly to a position approximately above the central flange il 8.8 ,of the bearingsupporting ringA |14, An aperture 266 extends downwardly 4from the :inner extremity of the pocket |98, and a Continuation 2.02 of such aperture extends radially inwardly through the central` flanged portion |88 of the ring |14 Vto the interior of such ring. The ring gear |250 tends `to throw lubricant into the scoop |96, whence it may flow downwardly `through the Apocket 19de-nd passages 200, 202, to lubricate the bearings'rl, |86. VLubricant, which passes to the front through bearing |86 iindsits-.way back :to the .main `diierential housing portion through longitudinal passages 204, 205" extending through Ythe lower peripheral portionsof flange I-'I and; collar |12, respectively.

vA rearwardly extending pilot bearing hub por tion-20G iis ,-formedas an integral axial extension of `thel pinion'30c-and is journaledqinI al1-antifriction bearing 208,;mounted in a ring 2|0 car.- fiedV by the wall '|513 at the front end of the .reinforcing liner cup 42o.

The liner 42o `is provided with substantially at side portions-c," 52e, Fig. Y14, which extend perpendicularly across the inner ends of theaxle tube portions. The rear open face of thel-iner Mois. .flanged outwardly asat-Mc-and such rear ange is `flat and adapted to'receive thel cover so that descriptionl of one willsllfce.

| lilo as in the previously described embodiments.

Each of thediiat, side portions 50c, 52o of `the liner 42e is provided with aninternally threaded aperture as 52o, 64o, concentric with `butsubstantially larger than the axle-shaft. The olifferential cage 84o is-carried by oppositely tapered antif-riction bearings 820, 95o at its ends,-and separately adjustable take-up means is provided for each of these bearings. Such adjustable take-up means for the two bearings are the same, but symmetrically opposite in Vtheir arrangement.' VThe inner raceof the left side .bearing assembly as96c is carried by a reduced shoulder-defining portion 98oV of the bearing supporting sleeve 9,5c, which cor-responds to the sleeve of the irst described embodiment,` but liesv entirely within the differential housing. Sleeve -950 is releasably clamped in position by a'clampng lassembly generally kcorresponding to that ofthe embodiment of Figs. 9 and 10, and including a xed clamping block portion 89e and a removable clamping cap portion Slo secured to the fixed portion 89o` by apair of relatively -heavy clampingV screws as |0c.

, To provide forvaccurate axial adjustment of the positioning of the bearing supporting sleeve 95e when the clamping screws ||0o are loosened,;a hollow castellated sheet metal screw 225 is threadedly ttedintothe tapped opening 62e in the side wall v50c of the liner 42e. The nutfreely encircles the shaftZc and is castellated at its innerend, as indicated at 226, the ends of Ythe castellated portions being flat and bearing against the linner end ofthe sleeve 95o. A locking key as 228 is adapted to project into any oneof the spaces between the castellated portions to lock the nut 225 against rotation, the key being secured to the rearface of the clamping. cap, 9| c as by the screw 230, It will be seenv that when the key isnemoved,y 'thenut may be rotated by meansofva drift or other implement inserted through the back opening of the housing'to adjust the longitudinal position of the sleeve ,95o and thereby vary the clearances between the operating parts.

The adjustable take-up means for the righthand bearing 82e is of similar character, as stated,

and the parts are designated by similar reference characters primed. As indicated in Fig. 16, the axle shafts of this embodiment may be of the full iioating-type, and it will be appreciated that it is not necessary `to pull the shafts in order to gain access to the bearing adjusting nut means 225, 225', since these parts can be adjusted through the back cover opening, as previously explained. The wheel hub 233 is journaled on the exterior1 of the tube 2lc on a pair of spaced, opposed, tapered antifriction wheel bearings as 234, 235. The hub is closed at its outer end by the ange 238 formed as an integral head upon the outer end of the axle shaft, to which the hub is secured as by the screws 240, while at its inner end the hub is sealed with respect to the shaft by a suitable lubricant retainer as 242.

It will be observed that in each of the preferred embodiments of my invention herein disclosed the housing structure is so arranged as to facilitate the iinal boring and machining` of all parts which must be finished in this manner to insure proper alignment. Thus in the embodiment of Fig. l, for example, the inner surface portions of the sleeve 83 which carry the sleeve 95, and the inner surface of the `tubular supporting portion 18 for the right side bearing assembly, as well as the shoulder portions 85 which locate the right side bearing, can all be bored and nished `in a single operation after assembly of the -l housing structure. In all of the other embodiments also, the clamping portions are adapted to be bored in the same operation or at least in the same setting of the machine. In the embodiment of Fig. 14, both clamping portions may be bored out and the threaded openings for the castellated adjusting nuts 225, 225 may be bored and tapped in a single machine setting.

While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiments of the invention herein disclosed are well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.

What is claimed is: l

l. A housing structure for a driving axle and differential assembly comprising a pair of coaxial tubular portions formed of sheet metal, a differential case portionhaving a ring-like portion interposed between said tubular portions, and a generally cupped reinforcing liner also formed of sheet metal and constituting apart of said case portion and having a mouth portion and a base portion, said liner extending through and from the ring-like portion and being peripherally secured thereto, and the base portion pro jecting outwardly a substantial distance from the ring-like portion.

2. A structure as defined in claim I wherein said liner is provided with flattened side walls extending transversely across the inner ends of said tubular portions and apertured in substantially axial alignment with such tubular portions.

3, A structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said liner is provided with substantially flat side walls extending transversely across the inner ends of said tubular portions and apertured in substantially axial alignment with such tubular por tions, and expanded portions of said tubular members secured to said liner and joined to more remote parts of said tubular portions by tapered integral Walls.

4. A structure as defined in claim l wherein said liner is provided with flattened side walls 10 extending transversely across the inner ends of said tubular portions and apertured in substantially axial alignment with such tubular portions, expanded portions of said tubular members secured to said liner and joined to more remote parts of said tubular portions by tapered integral walls, and a further reinforcing structural element of generally tubular form extend* lng through such tapered walls and securing a reduced outer part of said tubular portion to one of said transverse walls.

A sheet metal housing structure for a driving axle and differential assembly comprising axially spaced aligned axle housing tubular portions expanded at their inner abutting ends to ring form, a cupped sheet metal liner extending through the ring and peripherally secured thereto, said cupped liner having a mouth :and a bot.

torn portion, the bottom portion projecting forwardly from the ring, portions intermediate with respect to and integral with both the ring and the tubular portions being of generally tapered form, and a front housing bell section also formed oi sheet metal and enclosing the forwardly projecting bottom portion of the liner and secured both to the liner and the ring.

6, In combination with a structure as defined in claim 1, differential mechanism contained in said case portion, bearing means for supporting such mechanism including a combined radial and thrust-type antifriction bearing, means for axially adjustably moving said bearing to and iixing it in various positions including a bearing supporting sleeve coaxial with said tubular portions and projecting into said case to support said bearing and also extending through said liner into one of said tubular portions, and holding means secured to said structure and engageable with said support to releasably hold the latter against axial movement.

'7. In combination with a structure as defined in claim l, differential mechanism contained in said case portion, bearing means for supporting such mechanism including a combined radial and thrust-type antiriction bearing means for axially adjustably moving said bearing to and fixing it in various positions including a bearing supporting sleeve coaxial with said tubular portions and projecting into said case portion to support said bearing and also extending through said liner into one of said tubular portions, and holding means secured to said structure and engageable with said support to releasably hold the latter against axial movement, said holding means being secured to and reacting against said liner.

8. In combination with a structure as defined in claim 1, differential mechanism contained in said case portion, bearing means for supporting such mechanism including a combined radial and thrust-type antifriction bearing, means for axially adjustably moving said bearing to and xing it in various positions including a bearing supporting sleeve coaxial with said tubular portions and projecting into said case portion to support said bearing and also extending through said liner into one of said tubular portions, holding means secured to said structure and engageable with said support to releasably hold the latter against axial movement, axle shafts extending freely through said tubular portions into said case portion, Said bearing supporting sleeve hav-- ing an outer end portion the inside diameter of which is substantially greater than the diameter of the shaft butless than the diameter of the tubular portion, and a toolreceiving portion formed upon such sleeve whereby such sleeve may be manipulated by means-o a tool thrust through the tubular portion from the outer end thereof.

9. Means as defined in claim 5, including Within said liner, such adjustable supporting means for adjustably supporting a side bearing means comprising a tubular bearing support projecting from the interior of said liner through said L liner and into one of said tubular portions,l

and holding means located in said tapered-porn tionrand engageable with said tubular support.

1-0. MeansY as rdened in claim 5, including meansl for adjustably supporting aside bearing within saidliner, such adjustable supporting means comprising a tubular bearing support projecting'fromthe interior of said liner through said linerandI into one of said tubular portions, andl holding means located in said liner.l

Y 11. In combination with ast'ruct'ure as defined f `sji -Case portion,v said bearing vSllDDOltng Sleeve having an outer end portion the inside diameter of v'vhich is substa'ntially` greater than the diamet'erof the shaft but Vless tl'ia'n"v the diameter of tll'e4 tubular portion', aI tool-receiving portion formed upon such sleeve whereby such sleeve may be manipulated by means of a tool thrust through'thetubular portion from the outer end thereof, said bearing supporti-ng sleeve bei-ng providedl with a-'peripheral groove located within said case portion, and an abutment ring in said L grooye reacting against the liner and shorter axiiallyA than Sa'd' vgroove".

12.l Incombinanon with a 'structure as defined irl-clarin l,-di`ffereiitial ine'ohanism contaiiedi said casepo'rtion, bearing means forl Supporting such mechanism including a combined radial andthrust-type antiiri'ction bearing', nfe'an'sV for axiaily adjustably moving Said bearing to and iixir'ig itin various positions including a bearing supporting Vsleeve coaxial with said tubular portioiisand pro'jectingrinto' said case portion to support isaid bearing" andI also extending through said liner intoo'ne of'said tubular portions, holding means secured yto said structure and engageabl'e with said support toireleasably hold thevlatter against 'axial movement,- Said liner portion being f provided Vwith 'a Wall substantially Vcoplanar with the re'ar peripheral face'of said expanded portion, aindsaidholdi-ng means including Va releasable holding-member accessible through saidI opening, whereby a single coi/er is adapted toextend'over both ther'ear faoe ofthe ring and said opening.

13; In a housing structure for a driving aide VandV differential assembly",v means for rotatably supportinga planet carrier in the housing s'truotu're upon side bearings of the antiriction-et'y'pe, comprising a"'socket'-dening portion rigidly car'- ried byfthe housing structuresin coaxial relation with-'the intended'a-xis of rotation ofthe carrier air-rd adapted to receive the outer race of aside bearing;v and a spigot-'like portion' also carried by said housing structure in coaxial but spaced rela-` tion Ato said'fsocket-ideriingportion and of subi stantially'smaller diameter thansaid socket-dee ining portion to 'carry' the inner race of the'other side bearing. u

14. Means as de'n'ed in claim 13 wherein said spigot-like portion is'movable with relation to other parts ofthe housing structure, a slidewaye' dening portion nsupporting said Aspigot-like pori tion for axial sliding-'Vmo'vemenu and holding meansincluding afholdin'g element vfor securing said spigot-like' portion in any of a plurality of positions ofnaxial adjustment. Y

15.v In combination with vaA structureas Lde'iined in claim 13, a carrier journaled in said housing structure for lrotation upon said axis and haying a spigotflike'portion projecting into theso'cketdeiinin'g portion and adapted to support the inner race' of therst-mentioned side bearing,l said carrier also having a` socket-like portion oyer-Y haiigiIi-g the rt'erintioned spigot-like portion andi-adapted tof'support theouter race Yof said seconfdfmen'tioned side bearing. Y

16'." Means as"`de``ed in claim 13 wherein Said spigotflili'e portionv isv movable with relation to otherparts'of the'housir'ig structure,r a slid'eway'-Y d ening portion 'supporting said spigot-like por-A tion for axial sliding movement, holding means including` a'holding element'for securing saidV spigot-like" portion in'any'of aplurality of posi# tions oi axialadjustment, and' a clamping element secured to the housing structure and re;- lea'sably engageable with said spigot-like portion.

17. Means asv defined in claim 13 wherein said housing structure comprsesa pair of tubular axle housing portions and anv enlarged differential casing portion joined -to 'said'tubular portions by incl-ined'wlls, said socket-defining portion being carriedbyfangularbraeing walls rigidly connect' ed -toisaid previously-mentioned vwal-ls at a plurality oi"- spaced points;-

18. Means ls defined ein 'cla'tinl 13 wherein Said housing structure 'comprisesa-'pair of tubularAa-Xle housing: portions andv anenlarged differential casing portion joined to saidtublar y'portions by inclined walls,V and angular bracing'walls rigidly connected to said previously mentioned Wallsat a plurality of spaced points.

19. Means as dened in claim 13 whereinY said housing structure comprises al pair of tubular axle housing portions and an enlarged differential casing portion joined to said tubular portions by inclined walls, said spigot-like portion being carried by angular' bracing walls rigidly connected to Y said previously mentioned Wal-lsv at a plurality of Vspaced points.

20.Y Means as defined -in claim i3 wherein said housing structure comprises apailr of tubular axle housing-portions andi an enlarged differential? casing pertionjoinedfto said? tubul-arportions by 'inolinedwall's-,- said socket-'defining' poftion1 and `said spi-g'otllilqe portion'` being carriedb'y'a ula'rl -br wallls rigidly connected yto said previously mentioned- 'trails` at a" plurality of spafeedpoi-ritsil v 2l. -l\`/learis as 'dei-ined in claim Vi3y wherein said housing 'structure comprises a-`- pair of tubular a'xie ""gvpor-tiens and an eniargeddifferen- Y portionjoinedto sa-"idV4 tubular por? tions by i clinedwils, saidlspigot-like portieri being carid-'by'angularl bracing? walls rigidly connected to said previously mentioned walls at aplurality off-Ts aicedl'points, said/angular brafcing-Wallsiriclud nga-lsleeve-portion 'c'oaxial said axis, said spigot-like portion being slidable in said sleeve portion.

22. In a structure as defined in claim 1, a, bell section enclosing and extending outwardly beyond the projecting .base portion of the liner and having a neck part spaced outwardly from the base portion and adapted to supporta pinion shaft, the space within the bell section beyond the base portion of the liner being, suiicient to accommodate a pinion, the base portion of the liner having a ring gear opening therein, and a bearing supporting portion carried by-said base portion of the liner in substantialalignment with the neck part of the bell section.

23. A housing structure for a driving axle and differential assembly comprising a pair of coaxial tubular portions formed of sheet mejtal, a

Adiierential case portion of ring-like form` interposed between said tu-bular portions, a generally cupped reinforcing liner also formed ofl sheet metal and constituting a part of said case portion and projecting through and from the ringlike portion and secured thereto, and a front L14 housing bell section also formed of sheet metal and enclosing the forwardly projecting part of the liner and secured both to the liner and the ring-like portion.

ROSCOE C. HOFFMAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,076,560 Duffy 1 Oct. 21, 1913 1,291,009 Johnson s Jan. 14, 1919 1,331,662 Neuteboom Feb. 24, 1920 1,391,294 Barbara Sept. 20, 1921 1,955,824 Mogford Apr. 24, 1934 2,478,180 Buckendale Aug. 9, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 185,997 Great Britain Sept. 21, 1922 Certicate of Correction Patent No. 2,563,680 August 7, 1951 ROSCOE C. HOFFMAN It is hereby certied that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows:

Column 7, line 17, for With read 50th,; line 18, for needs read ends; column 9, line 6l, for attened read substantially fiat; column 10, line 45, after bearing insert a comma; column ll, line 7 strike out means for ad]ustab1y supporting a, side bearing and insert the same before Within in Ime 6, same column;

and that the said Letters Patent should be read as corrected above, so that the saine may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Oice.

Slgned and sealed this 5th day of February, A. D. 1952.

[SEAL] THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant 'ommz'ssz'oner of Patents. 

